Skip Traditional Shower Curtains: Add Storage To Small Baths With A Space-Saving Alternative

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Picture this: You shimmy into the shower and practically do a gymnastics routine to grab the shampoo without knocking over the other shower products your family has stashed there. Meanwhile, you have a boring shower curtain that does little more than look pretty and keep the water in. Sure, that last part is important, but why not make the shower curtain carry its weight? The Zenna Home Shower Curtain (availability may vary by location) from Home Depot features nine mesh pockets to add extra storage without extra installation steps. Instead of just hanging there, it stores shower essentials your family uses every day.

This shower curtain is made of waterproof PEVA, which reduces the toxic problem of plastic shower curtains off-gassing chemicals. Moreover, since the pockets are made of mesh, they allow the water to drain out and dry quickly. You can also see what's inside each section. The four small pockets at the top measure 7 inches wide by 8 inches high. The center row features three medium-sized pockets measuring 10 inches wide by 12 inches high, while the two large bottom pockets are 14 inches wide by 13 inches high. Overall, the curtain measures 70 inches by 72 inches, which fits a standard shower. 

This item currently has a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews. It receives high marks for how much it holds and the functionality of the idea. However, the problem for some people is the added weight of the items in the pockets — it can make the curtain difficult to open and close. Reviewers also note that the mesh will tear if you overload it.

While there are plenty of stunning alternatives to traditional shower curtains, this pocket-style option is ideal if you have a small bathroom without a lot of storage space. It avoids the need for shelves or cabinets, making it especially practical for renters who want an easy solution that won't hog up space or damage the wall. For instance, you can have the pockets facing in toward the shower and use the space for shampoo, body wash, loofahs, shaving supplies, and other shower essentials.

If you have kids, the mesh pockets would work well for their bath toys, so they can dry well and stay out of the way when they're not being used. Alternatively, you can fill the pouches with cleaning items, like after-shower spray or scrub brushes, to make cleaning the shower easier. Or, flip the curtain around so the pockets face outward, and use them to hold hair-styling products, general bathroom cleaners, or other items that don't already have a storage spot. Whatever you store, one reviewer says, "It's very handy to reach in and grab whatever is needed and put it back with ease."

One thing to consider about shower curtains is whether you want to use a single curtain or have a separate liner for a decorative fabric curtain. According to users, this Zenna Home option can work either way because it's waterproof.